Source: BBC
The 50th UEFA Super Cup takes center stage at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy, as Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning Champions League winners, face off against Tottenham Hotspur, fresh from their Europa League triumph. For PSG, this is a chance at history becoming the first French club to win the Super Cup. For Spurs, it’s an opportunity to make a statement under new leadership.
The Confirmed Lineups
Both managers have made bold calls in their starting elevens, with notable absences and intriguing tactical hints.
Paris Saint-Germain (Manager: Luis Enrique | Formation: 4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Lucas Chevalier
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos (captain), Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes
- Midfielders: Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Bradley Barcola
- Forwards: Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Talking Points
- Donnarumma axed: The Italian shot-stopper’s exclusion due to contract tensions makes way for Lucas Chevalier between the sticks.
- Youthful midfield energy: 18-year-old Zaïre-Emery starts in a high-pressure role.
- Dynamic attack: Kvaratskhelia, Doué, and Dembélé promise width, pace, and flair.
Tottenham Hotspur (Manager: Thomas Frank | Formation: 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 hybrid)
- Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
- Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero (captain), Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence
- Midfielders: Rodrigo Bentancur, João Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr
- Forwards: Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison (Brennan Johnson on bench)
Talking Points
- Thomas Frank’s first big test: This is Frank’s first competitive match in charge of Spurs.
- No Son, no Maddison: Two key creative forces are out, meaning Kudus will carry much of the attacking spark.
- Palhinha’s debut: The Portuguese midfield enforcer starts alongside Bentancur and Sarr to provide steel in the middle.
Key Tactical Notes
PSG’s Plan
Luis Enrique’s men are set up for aggressive wing play. Hakimi and Mendes will bomb forward from full-back, while Vitinha anchors midfield transitions. Expect Kvaratskhelia to cut inside and combine with Dembélé, while Doué stretches Spurs’ defense.
Tottenham’s Approach
Thomas Frank could switch fluidly between a back four and a back five in possession. Palhinha’s defensive discipline allows Bentancur and Sarr to step up, while Kudus operates between the lines to feed Richarlison. Spurs will aim to press high, force errors, and strike quickly on the counter.
Absences That Could Shape the Game
- PSG: Gianluigi Donnarumma (dropped), Marco Asensio, Renato Sanches, João Neves (suspended), Mayulu (injured).
- Tottenham: Son Heung-min (departed), James Maddison (injured), Yves Bissouma (dropped for lateness).
Match Facts & Context
- Venue: Stadio Friuli, Udine, Italy
- Kickoff: 21:00 CET (8 p.m. BST)
- Referee: João Pinheiro (Portugal)
- Weather: Clear night, ~27°C, humidity at 63%
- Format: Straight to penalties if tied after 90 minutes — no extra time.
This is the first-ever competitive meeting between PSG and Spurs, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the night.
What’s at Stake
- For PSG: A chance to cement their dominance in Europe and erase the sting of losing the Club World Cup final to Chelsea.
- For Tottenham: A golden opportunity to announce themselves as serious contenders on the European stage under Thomas Frank.
Reliable Football Prediction
Expect fireworks. PSG have the star power and attacking depth, but Spurs’ new structure and counter-attacking threat could cause problems. If PSG’s midfield wins the battle, they might run away with it — but if Spurs hold firm early on, we could be headed for a penalty shootout thriller.
Final Word
Whether you bleed Parisian blue or North London white, tonight’s UEFA Super Cup promises drama, skill, and the birth of new storylines. By the final whistle, either PSG will have made history for France, or Tottenham will lift their first-ever Super Cup in their debut appearance.
Stay tuned to Reliable Football for the full post-match breakdown, tactical analysis, and player ratings.
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